Participating in recycling saves natural resources, the environment, and your money.
The EPA has set a goal for America of recycling 25% of our waste.
One glass jar recycled saves enough energy to light a 100 watt light bulb for 4 hours.
Enough iron and steel are thrown away by Americans each year to supply the nation’s auto makers.
Americans throw away 570 diapers per second – 49 million per year.
Links

United States Environmental/Recycling Hotline includes a searchable database that allows users to find the nearest recycling facility for glass, paper, and other renewables by using their postal zip codes.arth911 is another resource. It allows you to type in your ZIP code or find your state on a map to locate recycling centers in your community for all types of recyclables: http://search.earth911.com/

Recycling at home – What you can do:

Household WasteYard Trimmings and Food WasteAppliancesComputersConstruction/DemolitionAutomotiveAvoid Junk Mail
Buy Recycled products to encourage the recycling industries use of such products.

Participate in community curb-side recycling programs.
Reuse containers at home. Plastic containers with lids, such as yogurt cups, can be washed and reused for saving leftovers. Waxed paper containers can be stored in the shop or craft closet for mixing paint or storing dry parts. Whenever possible use containers a second time.
All glass food and beverage containers are recyclable.
All aluminum beverage cans and foil can be recycled.
Many charities have regularly scheduled pickups routes. Centers that help the homeless and disadvantaged often need donations of usable items.
Consider buying rechargeable batteries for toys and personal music players.Recycling – Yard Trimmings and Food Waste

Facts

The average home composter recycles 600-750 pounds. of waste per year. This waste is turned into “black gold” in the form of compost. Compost applied to yards and plantings improves soil, reduces water usage, and the need for synthetic fertilizer.
Do not pick up lawn clippings. When mowing, leave the clippings. They provide nutrients to the lawn and reduce water need.
Links

The Composting Handbook gives basics of composting.
Rot Web provides many links and ideas.
top of page

Recycling – Appliances

Facts

Durable goods, such as refrigerators and television sets, made up 16% of the 1994 U.S. municipal solid waste stream by weight, or 25.5 million tons of waste.
If you stacked all the refrigerators Americans buy in a single week, you’d have a tower more than 80 miles high.
Often a used appliance can be reused by someone else. If a discarded appliance is in working order, consider giving it to someone who needs it, donating it to a local charity, or selling it at a garage sale.
top of page

Recycling – Computers

Facts

It takes several thousand years for a computer monitor to decompose in a landfill. For every computer recycled, 4 end up in a landfill. Computer systems are replaced on average every 3 years.
Recycled computers are a cost-saving way to provide machines for schools, home, or children. Consider donating old working equipment to local schools or nonprofit organizations.
Links

Upgrade the home computer instead of buying a new machine. Check in the Yellow Pages under computers to find dealers who rebuild computers. Replacing a few components will save money and often is enough to run new software.

Recycling – Construction/Demolition

Facts

Construction creates large quantities of waste. Even a simple kitchen or recreation room remodel can send tons of demolition debris and waste construction materials to the local landfill. When planning new construction or remodeling, consider alternative uses for unneeded materials.
Links

Local chapters of Habitat for Humanity always needs donations of working or repairable plumbing and other building materials.Recycling – Automotive

Facts

Residential waste haulers do not accept used oil, automotive batteries, or antifreeze for disposal or recycling.
Each year home mechanics improperly dispose of more oil than was spilled by the Exxon Valdez.
Used oil from a single oil change (approximately 1 gallon) can ruin 1 million gallons of fresh water – a year’s supply for 50 people.
One gallon of recycled, used oil provides the same 2.5 quarts of high quality lubrication oil as 42 gallons of crude oil.
A car battery contains 18 pounds of lead and 1 pound of sulfuric acid.
In 1993, 80% to 95% of automobile batteries were recycled.
Links

More Motor Oil Facts can be found at the EPA’s Website.
top of page

Recycling – Avoid Junk Mail

In 1990, third class mail made up more than 2% of the waste disposed in the United States and weighed 3.6 million tons. For every 1 million pages not printed, 85 pulp trees are saved. One effective way to reduce the amount of household paper is to reduced unwanted junk mail.

One good way to reduce unwanted mail solicitations is to send a letter or postcard to the Direct Marketing Association. Its address is:
Direct Marketing Association
P.O. Box 9008
Farmingdale, NY 11735

When you shop, follow this order of preference when considering an item:
1 Glass
2 Aluminum
3 Paper
4 Plastic
5 Multi-material

Choose items with no, less, or simpler packaging. On average 10% of the cost of food items is the packaging. Less packaging means less cost and easier recycling.
Buy a recycled computer.
Remanufactured toner cartridges are available from Environmental Laser and other companies including local suppliers.

When it comes to solar energy, knowledge is key. It’s what will ensure your technology is the most efficient. It’s also what will keep you on budget. The more you know, the better, so read this article in full to find many great tips on using solar energy the right way.

Contact your local government to ask them about rules in place where you live. No solar technology should be in use without permission from the powers that be. You may find yourself fined and having to take down all that you worked so hard to put in place if you don’t inquire first.

You should assess how much energy you need for your household before investing in a solar energy system. You will get the most out of your solar energy system if it is powerful enough to cover all your energy needs and allows you to sell a small quantity of power to the main grid.

As you comparison shop for solar power systems, remember that not all brands were created equal. You want to go with a product that has a reputable manufacturer. It is wonderful if another brand offers a substantial warranty or a great discount, but those things won’t help you very much if the company goes out of business in a few years. Remember – you get what you pay for! Yes, there are a lot of cheaper solar panels flooding into the market from abroad. But many of those panels might not last more than a few years, and solar energy is about a long term investment. It’s better to get solar panels known for their quality that’ll last for decades, rather than a cheap option that may only last a few years.

There are many rebates and grants that can help offset the initial costs involved with solar power. The costs to get a solar energy system up and running can be daunting, however you can often find help. Many government departments will offer you money once your set-up is installed. This will help cut your expenses significantly. You might be able to use it as a tax deduction.

When determining whether solar energy is the best choice for you there are several consideration to take into account. First, you must ensure that your location receives at least 5 hours of sunlight each day. This will help ensure that your solar panels absorb enough energy to power your home. Trees, and other buildings in proximity to your panels can affect their performance.

Before signing any agreement for installation of solar energy products, get at least three estimates. Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged.A;so be sure the company installing the panels has the necessary insurance so you will not incur any liability for a slip and fall by one of the installers. A quick check of the BBB is a great idea. You might also check out Angie’s List or similar sites for your neighbors recommendations for a good solar installation company.

You may also want to consider how you can keep the panels fresh, clean and free of leaves and other debris. Can you easily get to the panels to clean them? How about removing snow and ice if that should decrease the performance of the panels in the winter? Consider the question of “ease of access” to the panels when planning the installation.

The best time to incorporate solar power into the design of a home or building is in the initial construction. Windows are best facing south to let maximum sunlight (hence greenhouse heat) in during the winter. Likewise, avoid windows facing directly into the summertime sun to keep things cooler, so less power is needed for fans or air conditioning. The maximum roof space, however, should always get sunlight exposure. When considering installing solar panels, always check for local, state or federal incentives and rebates. The initial expense of solar panels can be costly so these incentives can be very helpful. Also consider the future saving and you will see that over time, your solar panels will pay for themselves.

One other very important consideration is whether solar panels are permitted by your HOA. Some HOAs will refuse to permit solar panels for what they consider, “esthetic” reasons. But it is important to check local laws concerning the right of any HOA to deny solar panel installation. This will vary depending on your state and local statutes. Check it out with the installer also, as he will have encountered these objections form an HOA.

Don’t assume that just because a company sells and installs solar panels means they are good and trustworthy people. Shop around. Get a minimum of three quotes. Read all contracts. Check backgrounds of potential contractors. Deal with this like any other home-improvement project that you would otherwise do.

It’s a great idea to keep some sort of record of the performance of your panels. When the day is cloudy, raining. or overcast, you should be able to tell how much energy will be available compared to a bright, shining day.If you are considering installing a solar panel system, it is important that the panel faces in the sun’s direction. Although this seems obvious, you would be surprised how many people forget this step. If your panel does not have sun, it won’t power up. If you live in the Northern hemisphere, your panel should face South towards the horizon.

Are you building a home or moving to a remote location? If so, then you might want to seriously consider using solar energy to power your place. Getting the local energy company to come out to you might be expensive or impossible, so using renewable solar energy is a great way to ensure you will have all the energy you need.

Solar energy is truly our friend, powering up electronics and keeping the Earth habitable by allowing us to use it sustainably. We all want to be green, and this is a great way to do it. Now that you know how to get started, all you have to do is get moving!

If your computer system, fax machine, laser printer or various other digital devices has offered up the ghost and has to be dealt with, do not place it right into the garbage to come to be another problem for correct disposal. These products have such contaminants as lead, mercury as well as dangerous elements that make them disqualified to be dealt with in land fills. They must be recycled. Your dead PC is considered contaminated materials by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the issue this hazardous waste is producing is expanding. In the United States alone, about 30 million computer systems are considered scrap yearly, adding harmful quantities of toxic chemicals right into our land loads. And it is not just our computer systems that add to the problem however telecommunication as well as electrical devices does also.

Right here are many means you could dispose of your computer or various other digital devices and each, in their own means, are reusing programs. Not every little thing that is reused is broken down and made into something else. In some cases the item being recycled, like the computer, can be mended and also offered or contributed. There are lists offered from the National Directory of Computer system Recycling Programs that will certainly offer you the name of a person that will certainly recycle your aged computer in your area.

There is also the Back Thru The Future Micro Computers, Inc. They will certainly take all desktop computer tools such as computers, monitors, and so on as well as reuse them for use by schools, government organizations and also individuals. There are business like East West Foundation that contribute your recycled computer to non revenue organizations after they have been fixed. There is also VOTC a charitable organization renowned for its operate in Russia and also in Mexico with road youngsters. They will certainly mend and also utilize your computer system and electronic devices as well as software application to benefit the education and learning of these kids. VOTC is a phrase for Voice of the Children.

A lot of electronic manufacturing programs have a recycling program of some sort, although the larger makers will charge you a charge and also desire you to do the packing and to ship the item to them. The Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition publishes a record that will certainly inform you which suppliers that will responsibly take back and also choice for reusing.

As you can see, there are several government and also nongovernmental agencies to which you can send your computer system and other digital tools to be reused. There are also some nongovernmental recyclers that will repair your old computer systems or electronics as well as market them discussing the benefit from the sale with you. Reusing your aged or nonfunctioning computer or digital tools is uncomplicated. It does nevertheless call for some research regarding exactly how you wish to handle it and also which you want to do the recycling. Your computer system has managed you more than the years, so do not merely unload in on a heap and also have it add to environmental pollution. Provide it the opportunity to be beneficial once again and also probably add something to the life of somebody which will certainly not typically be able to afford it or else.

Recycling shingles after roof replacement
If you are having the roof of your home replaced, consider recycling the old and damaged shingles. Not only will they not find their way to the local landfill, but they will be be recycled for use in many different products. Similarly, if you are installing a solar array on the roof of your home, some of the shingles there may have to be removed. The same advice is suggested: recycle the shingles so they can be used again in another form. Check out our link to Shingle recycling above.

An informed consumer is a wise consumer. Educate yourself about solar energy and its systems. Without sufficient information, it is easy to exceed any budget that you set for your new solar energy system. This article can provide some basic information about solar energy systems.

Be aware that many local and county governments regulate the use and installation of solar panels. Check with them for any special considerations they may have concerning your installation process. Getting the right amount of energy should be your goal, By assessing just what your needs are, you will have sufficient energy from solar panels to meet all of your energy criteria.

Another very important consideration is whether solar panels are permitted by your HOA. Some HOAs will refuse to permit solar panels for what they consider, “esthetic” reasons. Check local laws concerning the right of any HOA to deny solar panel installation. This can be different depending on your state and local statutes. Check it out with your chosen installer as he will have encountered these objections form an HOA.

Incentives in the form of rebates and grants are frequently available to assist in the cost to purchase and install solar panels. Some governmental agencies offer financial assistance to encourage the installation of such systems. A phone call to your local governmental energy department may provide information on such programs.
There is also the possibility that by using such an alternative energy platform, there may be some tax credits or deductions as incentives when tax time rolls around.
Remember – “you get what you pay for!” Saving money by investing in inferior solar panels is a frequent occurrence. Many panels are produced abroad, using inferior components that will ensure a short, troubled life for such solar panels. Quality solar panels are durable and have a long lifetime of service. Select panels from reputable manufacturers and you will have trouble-free solar energy for many years to come. Find a manufacturer that will stand behind the product, offer a good warranty and provide information throughout your ownership of their solar panels. Check out several solar panel companies so you have a good feel for what they offer and how they may differ in customer support.

Don’t assume that just because a company sells and installs solar panels means they are good and trustworthy people. Shop around. Get a minimum of three quotes. Read all contracts. Check backgrounds of potential contractors. Deal with this as you would with any other home-improvement project.

Get a few estimates from reputable dealers. The estimates should include the total price for purchase and installation as well as any additional costs that are not a normal part of the install. All should be in writing, and you should compare that the work to be performed is needed. Like most major purchasing, a little comparison shopping is always a good idea. Get several estimates. Compare what each installer offers with each of the estimates. You do not want to find that a costly and critical part of the installation is not being included in the estimate. Before long, you are going to become a “mini-expert” in solar panel installation. That may not seem to be the case now, but the more information you acquire, the better you can be informed on the total cost of a solar energy system for your home.

Once the estimates are in your hand, read each one carefully to ensure that the installation is up to your standards. Each estimate should include a time frame of completion, a list of materials and the estimated amount of labor charged. Also be sure the company installing the panels has the necessary insurance so you will not incur any liability for a slip and fall by one of the installers. A quick check of the BBB is a great idea. You might also check out Angie’s List or similar sites and your neighbors recommendations for a good solar installation company.

What are some of the considerations when determining whether to install solar panels? Location is extremely important since one must have a reasonable view of the sky. So if there are obstructions like trees. shrubs, neighboring buildings or some other structure that decreases the visibility, relocate the solar panels. Surprisingly, many of us fail to properly position the panels for maximum effectiveness.
You may also want to consider how you can keep the panels fresh, clean and free of leaves and other debris. Can you easily get to the panels to clean them? How about removing snow and ice if that should decrease the performance of the panels in the winter? Consider the question of “ease of access” to the panels when planning the installation. Here’s a suggestion for roof installations from a leading information source on solar panels, Solar Panel World On Line.

After the panels have been installed, it’s a great idea to keep some record of the performance of your panels. When the day is cloudy, raining. or overcast, you should be able to tell how much energy will be available compared to a bright, shining day. Remember that the initial cost for solar panels will eventually be returned to you in the savings realized using this renewable energy.

Most have seen those advertisements for 30 acre parcels in the mountains or plains of some desirable area of your state. But the usual infrastructure may be missing. You have to find a source for water, a septic or vault system for waste products, and get electricity to the property. Using solar panels can solve the electricity problem where the property is remote from usual municipal services. It’s a great way to ensure you will have all the energy you will need.

Learning how to be “green” starts with understanding the role of solar energy for your energy needs. Proper installation, along with routine maintenance, can change to the landscape of your personal energy needs. Investigate and implement a solar energy system for your home energy needs. You won’t be sorry you did!

Roof covering substitute is among the important maintenance chores of home. Over the period, the quality of roof covering gets shabby and also it requires substitute. Switching out the roof is a costly task. So, to clinch the most effective discount or prevent unwanted shocks, it is recommended to assess the roofing prior to you consult with a roofing company. It will certainly offer you a clear concept concerning the price that will be sustained in replacement.

Right here are some instructions which can help you out in roof substitute:

First as well as the foremost, it is important to assess the surface area of roof. It is assessed in? roof covering squares?. 100 square foot make to one roof square. So a 10 x 10 feet roofing system exactly makes to one roof square.

To assess the surface, gauge the perimeter of home initially. Step the size and also height of walls of your home to evaluate the border. If your house is a typical rectangle-shaped, increase length and breadth to get the flooring area. This will provide you the dimension of location below the roof covering.

If the house is not rectangle-shaped as well as has several functions, your job will certainly become quite tough as you will certainly was required to measure the length as well as width of each part and also add it as much as obtain the precise dimension.

Now, as you have acquired the dimension, you need to transform it in regards to roofing squares. Split the number you have actually got by ONE HUNDRED. For example, if the raw number you have got is 40,000, you have the surface area of 400 squares.

Finally, you should change both dimensional number into 3 measurement. It will certainly vary according to the pitch of roofing system. In determining this, many mistakes are normally made. So, take care while determining this.

The last step will be to increase Roof Square with roofing multiplier.

In roof covering replacement, you have to care for some things and also as this is a huge financial investment as well as everybody would like to take advantage of it. Below are some pointers which can aid you out:

If the roof includes valleys, endwalls, and also dormers? the cut up of the roofing will certainly be more.

Roof multiplier is not the downright and exact measurement. It differs from roof covering to roof covering. According to average roof covering types, some estimations are provided.

So, it needs a good attention and also care from your side if you want to change the roofing. Also if you are not a professional, you ought to know some fundamental regards to dimension before contacting the business else they can benefit from it and you will end up in loss. Measure well, get in touch with a good and reputed company and also acquire the roofing replaced and roof replacement efficiently!